If ever there was a fitting way for a team to win the first title of the ISSA Schoolboy football season, it is to cop their first ever hold on that title, and Glenmuir High did just that when they snared the Champions Cup all-island knockout crown on Saturday.
The fact that Glenmuir achieved the feat by coming from behind to condemn their highly thought of neighbours Clarendon College to a first defeat of the season in an enthralling contest that ended 3-2, sweetened the deal, and the celebrations by the team and its fans which formed a sea of red in the Grandstand at the National Stadium, declared that much.
Ja-Son Whyte (27th), captain Kyle Gordon (53rd) and the menacing Orane Watson (82nd), etched Glenmuir's name in the annals of the competition's history, as they became the third rural area team to win the title and, more importantly, remain on course to secure the coveted treble.
They now join Jamaica College (2014 and 2022), St George’s College (2015), Wolmer's Boys (2016), Kingston College (2017 and 2019), Cornwall College (2018) and Clarendon College (2021) in the champions column.
Keheim Dixon (18th) and captain Malachi Douglas (90+5) got the goals for Clarendon College, who played most of the second half with 10 players after Nashon Bolt was red carded in the 51st minute.
Though elated, winning coach Andrew Peart cut a subdued figure, as he is aware that another tough battle against the same opposition for the more prestigious daCosta Cup title awaits.
"To God be the glory, as I said at the start of the season, it is a three-year journey and so we are happy to be here as champions. The boys did well to come from behind and we couldn'task for a better fight," said Peart, who alps guided Glenmuir to Ben Francis triumph last season.
"We now have a one week break ahead of the next game. We know it's going to be tough, so we have to be better than we were today (Saturday), but this is one accomplishment achieved and so we prepare to fight for another, " he added.
It was always expected to be an entertaining encounter, and it didn't disappoint as both teams gave as good as they got from the start when they got off some early warning shots in their press for the early ascendancy.
Clarendon College eventually broke the deadlock when a decent team buildup sent Atibo Green down the right channel to play a perfect pass across the face of goal for Dixon to finish from close range.
They almost found a second in the 26th through Douglas, who found space inside the 18-yard box for a left-footed drive along the pitch, but Antwone Gooden got down well to his left to parry.
Glenmuir responded a minute later and were back on level terms courtesy of Whyte, who tucked away a firm right-footed effort from just about 20-yards out that left Roshae Burrell, in goal for Clarendon College, flat-footed and as a mere spectator.
Though they engaged in end-to-end action from there and created a few half chances, neither team was able to add to their tally as the score remained unchanged at the break.
Clarendon College was more purposeful at the top of the resumption, but their progress was thwarted six minutes in as Bolt was shown a straight red card by referee Steffon Dewar after he took out Orane Watson just inside the arc.
And if that wasn't bad enough, Gordon threw salt in Clarendon College's wounds with a firmly struck right-footer from the resulting freekick that gave Burrell no chance at a save.
With the numerical advantage and scoreline in their favour, Glenmuir enjoyed a decent passage of play, but failed to add to their tally at that point.
Clarendon College were brave and instead of going defensive, Head coach Lenworth "Teacha" Hyde threw some fresh legs in attack, and the move almost proved fruitful as they went close on a few occasions through Douglas and Dixon.
In fact, they had two opportunities in quick succession in the 71st through Dixon, whose first effort from just inside the 18-yard box came off the left upright, and seconds later Douglas hit the right upright as the Chapleton-based team cursed their luck. To make matters worse, Glenmuir found a third when Burrell left his lines and made a big blunder which allowed Orane Watson to steal possession and calmly fire into an empty net from a distance.
Though down, Clarendon College fought on and pulled one back in time added, when Douglas converted from the 12-yard spot, after Dixon was brought down by Gooden inside the danger area. They went close to pulling level term on the final play of the game as Dixon rifled and effort from just inside the 18-yard box, but Gooden stood firm to deny the talismanic striker and sent the May Pen fans into frenzy.
Hyde, as always, lauded his team for their grit and determination despite the disadvantage.
"Even when we down to 10 players, we still created numerous chances and we could have won. So, hats off to my team, they fought hard, and it just wasn't to be, but we will get them replenished and motivated again for the daCosta Cup final," Hyde noted.
Kevlon Anderson scored a magnificent second first-class century to put the West Indies Academy in an excellent position at stumps on day one of their second four-day game against Emerging Ireland at Coolidge on Saturday.
The hosts ended the day 300-8 off 89.4 overs after being put in to bat by Emerging Ireland.
Anderson, 23, ended the day 101* off 172 balls including 14 fours and was well supported by Captain Nyeem Young who made 80 off 115 balls including seven fours and five sixes.
Matthew Nandu and centurion from the first game, Joshua Bishop, also made solid contributions with 35 and 22, respectively.
Tom Mayes has so far grabbed 3-62 off 21 overs while Michael Frost and Matthew Foster have taken 2-71 from 25 overs and 2-90 from 23.4 overs, respectively.
Full Scores:
West Indies Academy 300-8 off 89.4 overs (Kevlon Anderson 101*, Nyeem Young 80, Tom Mayes 3-62, Michael Frost 2-71)
Mount Pleasant Academy and Ballaz Academy are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering the development and execution of a comprehensive grassroots & elite youth development plan.
This collaborative effort will focus on the holistic development of players and coaches, with the ultimate goal of establishing a feeder system for Mount Pleasant Academy as well as added growth opportunities for Ballaz Academy players.
The agreement outlines the commitment of Ballaz Academy to identify and present talented players for potential signing with Mount Pleasant Academy. The process will be conducted with the utmost consideration for the players' well-being and in accordance with the wishes of the players' parents or legal guardians, particularly in cases where the players are minors.
Additional objectives of the partnership include expanding the elite player pathway for Ballaz Academy. This will be achieved through joint hosting of games, tournaments, and other events to showcase talent and promote player and coaching exposure and development.
Andre Virtue, Director of Ballaz Academy, shared his thoughts on the collaboration, stating: "We are thrilled to formalize this partnership with Mount Pleasant Academy. This Memorandum of Understanding represents a significant step forward in our collective efforts in fostering the growth of football at the grassroots level and creating a pathway for young talent to flourish within the sport, as well as to expand the elite player pathway and provide invaluable opportunities for player and coaching development. We are committed to nurturing talent, promoting exposure, and creating a sustainable framework for the growth of football at the grassroots level.”
By leveraging the expertise and resources of each participating organization, the MOU aims to create a sustainable framework for nurturing and honing the skills of aspiring footballers and coaches.
"We are excited to formalize this partnership with Ballaz Academy as we collectively work towards advancing grassroots football development," said Peter Gould, Founder at Mount Pleasant Academy. "This Memorandum of Understanding underscores our shared commitment to empowering young athletes and enhancing the overall football landscape. We look forward to the positive impact that this collaboration will have on the development of football talent in our community and beyond."
The MOU represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to elevate football development in Jamaica and the region and is a testament to the collective dedication of all parties involved.
In the heart of the English-speaking Caribbean, the racing world is gearing up for the highly anticipated second running of the Mouttet Mile Invitational on December 2, 2023.
This prestigious event has captured the imagination of punters and fans alike, solidifying its status as the most eagerly awaited race in the region this year.
The Mouttet Mile Invitational is a battleground where the most elite 3-year-olds will vie for supremacy in a winner-take-all scenario. Racing enthusiasts and casual observers have been treated to a spectacle of high-quality performances throughout the year, with several standout performers emerging among the 3-year-old contenders.
The Mouttet Mile presents a golden opportunity for one horse to etch its name in racing history.
The organisers have extended invitations to sixteen of the healthiest and top-performing 3-year-olds, ensuring a field of fierce competitors. Trainers are diligently preparing their charges to ensure they are in peak condition come December 2, ready to showcase their speed, stamina, and racing prowess.
What sets the Mouttet Mile apart from other races is not only the intense competition but also the staggering purse it offers. With a prize pool of US $125,000, the Mouttet Mile boasts the largest purse in the English-speaking Caribbean. This substantial reward adds an extra layer of excitement, attracting not only top-tier competitors but also a global audience eager to witness the thrilling spectacle unfold.
In a groundbreaking development, the Invitational will be broadcast live on FOX 5 NY Sports, thanks to the pivotal involvement of the New York Racing Association (NYRA). This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the broadening of Caribbean horse racing.
Solomon Sharpe, expressing gratitude for NYRA's support, stated, "This move is in support of the New York Racing Association, and we are grateful for their acceptance of our vision. Their partnership not only enhances the prestige of the Mouttet Mile but also opens new doors for Caribbean racing on the global stage."
Andy Serling, Senior Racing Analyst at NYRA, shared his excitement about the Mouttet Mile Invitational, stating, "The inclusion of the Mouttet Mile in the international racing spotlight is a testament to the quality of competition and the passion for horse racing in the Caribbean. This event not only showcases the region's top 3-year-olds but also fosters a connection between racing communities across borders. I am thrilled to be a part of this global celebration of horse racing excellence."
While the Mouttet Mile takes centre stage as the feature race, racing enthusiasts will be treated to a full card of 11 exhilarating races throughout the day. Among them is the Chairman's Plate, a new Grade 3 stakes race introduced this year, featuring an overnight allowance of 1820 meters. Each race guarantees a minimum purse of one million dollars, ensuring an atmosphere of high stakes and intense competition.
Punters are encouraged to arrive early, soak up the electric atmosphere, and place their bets on their favorite horses for a chance to win big. The Mouttet Mile Invitational promises a day of exhilarating racing action, culminating in the crowning of the fastest and most resilient 3-year-old on the English-speaking Caribbean racing circuit.
The race will also be broadcast live on SportsMax beginning at 3:30pm Jamaica Time.
Datsalrightgino came from last to first under Gavin Sheehan to win the Coral Gold Cup for Jamie Snowden.
Lambourn handler Snowden continues to make his mark, adding one of the most prestigious races on the calendar to his Paddy Power Gold Cup win with Ga Law and the Cheltenham Festival success of You Wear It Well.
Sheehan was not even supposed to be riding Datsalrightgino as he was meant to be heading north to Newcastle to ride his two stablemates in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle and Rehearsal Chase respectively.
With that meeting abandoned due to snow and frost, Sheehan stayed closer to home and produced a peach of a ride on the 16-1 winner.
Tom Cannon was the man to make way for Sheehan and how he must have felt watching Datsalrightgino cruise into contention was anyone’s guess.
When Cloudy Glen dropped back after making most of the running it left the Harry Redknapp-owned Shakem Up’Arry and John McConnell’s Mahler Mission at the head of affairs.
Mahler Mission soon took over and he briefly looked set to atone for his late fall at Cheltenham in March with a race at his mercy, but Sheehan nursed his mount into race given his stamina doubts and he certainly was not stopping as he crossed the line three and three-quarter lengths in front.
Monbeg Genius was third with Eldorado Allen fourth.
Hansard defied a welter burden to win the Bet In Race With Coral Intermediate Handicap Hurdle at Newbury for Niall Houlihan and Gary Moore.
Saddled with top-weight due to some smart form in novices, he dwarfed many of his rivals in the race registered as the Gerry Feilden.
Beaten less than four lengths in a Grade One at Aintree by Henry de Bromhead’s Inthepocket at the Grand National meeting, he had made a satisfactory return to action when second to Rubaud in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton.
With Jamie Moore sidelined with a serious injury, his father has put plenty of faith in Houlihan and he continues to repay him.
Houlinhan saved every inch of ground on the inner but he looked booked for a place at best two out as Bad and Brentford Hope set a target. Arguably Under Control was travelling the best at that stage, but she was almost pulled up on crossing the line having faded tamely.
With Brentford Hope failing to pick up on ground quicker than ideal, Hansard dug deep and the 15-2 shot went on to win by three-quarters of a length.
“We were very lucky to get him and it was very nice of Noel (Fehily, syndicate manager) to send him to me. He’s a very nice horse and he’s big enough to jump fences one day, whether he does or not I don’t know,” said Moore.
“Wincanton and the pace of the race took the fizz out of him, they went hard from the word go which suits him.
“He’s in the valuable race at Ascot (Betfair Exchange Trophy, December 23) just before Christmas and after that it just depends what the handicapper does to him as we could be in trouble if we over-race him.
“He does all the right things that make you think he could be (a Pattern performer) but he has to improve again.
“He wouldn’t want to run tomorrow but he’s a hardy horse who takes his racing well.”
When asked about a possible crack at the Betfair Hurdle back at Newbury over the same course and distance, Moore said: “Absolutely, but I don’t think he could win that with 12st.”
Fehily said: “I was delighted with that and he’s a horse we liked last year as a novice.
“I was a bit disappointed maybe with his run at Wincanton the last day and I think maybe he is learning to settle a bit better now and they went fast today which suited him.
“I feel a bit sorry for Jamie Moore today, he has been fantastic and I’m sorry he’s missed it as he loves this horse. But it was a great performance and we’re very happy.
“He’s got a big step up to get into Grade Once company, but to win a handicap like that off top-weight, he probably is a Graded horse now. I’ll speak to Gary and see what the plan is, but we’re going in the right direction anyway.”
Inch House continued his rise up the chasing ranks with a game success in the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Memorial Handicap Chase at Newbury.
Jonjo O’Neill’s six-year-old arrived on the back of an easy victory at the track last month, and the 6-4 favourite proved he is heading in the right direction over the larger obstacles by keeping on well to see off Lord Baddesley by a length and a quarter.
The Jackdaws Castle handler was thrilled to get his hands on the trophy named in honour of the legendary commentator, who was once among O’Neill’s band of owners.
“He likes it and enjoys it, he jumps well and does everything well,” said O’Neill of his winner.
“It’s a lovely race to win. We had some great times together and he had horses with me. We had lots of good fun.
“I remember him helping me out at Wetherby one day, we had new owners in and they had paid a few quid for this horse and he just got beat a short head.
“Sir Peter could see me at the bar and I was struggling a little bit and he came in and by the time he left they thought they had won! So I said ‘thank you very much, Sir Peter, that was very kind of you’ and he said ‘I could see you were struggling’.”
Manimole (8-11 favourite) may have earnt herself a trip to the Cheltenham Festival in landing the opening Play Coral “Racing-Super-Series” For Free Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
A 15-length scorer over course and distance previously, she took the step up to Listed company in her stride, showing real toughness to hold off 50-1 chance Brave Jen.
“She’s wonderful and just keeps getting better, better and better,” said her trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies.
“The poor girl will probably have go to the Cheltenham Festival now.
“I think she should have a bit of a break now and there are not a lot of races for her now. We’ll come back just before Cheltenham, hopefully.
“We’ve got to go to the mares’ race. She stays, we know she stays, she’s really tough.”
Dan Skelton’s Get A Tonic caused a 28-1 shock in the Coral Racing Club Handicap Hurdle, while there was a winner for Nicky Henderson in the Coral Committed To Safer Gambling Novices’ Hurdle as Jingko Blue (7-4 joint-favourite) fought back well to get off the mark over timber.
“He did well to get back there and I think they are smart horses, the future looks good,” said Henderson.
“I have absolutely no idea (where to go next), it’s a bit of a juggling game with the novices at the moment as they are a nice bunch – spreading them out is important.
“I think he is good, but he’s only a young horse so let’s go one step at a time.
“He probably learnt a lot from his run at Warwick when he was beaten and he was very green that day, but he is growing up all the time.”
The unbeaten Impaire Et Passe will bid to showcase his Champion Hurdle credentials in the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday.
Arguably the star of Willie Mullins’ band of novices over hurdles last term, the exciting five-year-old confirmed the promise of his smooth Moscow Flyer success when striking with authority at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals in the spring.
He is now a warm order to make a smooth transition to open company and provide his trainer with another contender to take on Constitution Hill back at Prestbury Park in March.
However, there may be a few nerves at Closutton ahead of their hot hurdling prospect’s reappearance, having seen Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs beaten on his return last weekend.
“Impaire Et Passe obviously won over two and a half in Cheltenham and the Hatton’s Grace was the obvious starting point,” said Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father.
“Stepping out of novice company is always difficult, but what he did to Gaelic Warrior and Champ Kiely in Cheltenham was a huge performance.
“We’ll be disappointed if he got beaten, but Galopin Des Champs got beaten last weekend.”
Impaire Et Passe is joined in the line-up by stablemate Ashroe Diamond, who has won her last two, both here at Fairyhouse, and secured Grade One honours over track and trip in her final outing of last term.
“Ashroe Diamond will run very well, with a view to going for the Mares’ Hurdle later in the year,” continued Mullins, who will enjoy steering duties aboard the likeable six-year-old.
“My mother bred her, she’s won in Aintree for the owners and won a Grade One in Fairyhouse.
“I thought her two runs behind Facile Vega and Marine Nationale last year were the two best runs by a mare last year. She’s a long way out on ratings (on Sunday), but I think when she drops back to mares only company, she’ll be giving everything plenty to think about.”
Teahupoo lowered the colours of Honeysuckle when staying on strongly to edge out Klassical Dream and Henry de Bromhead’s champion mare 12 months ago and Gordon Elliott’s Stayers’ Hurdle third will be attempting to repeat the dose in the hands of Jack Kennedy.
Last year’s victory was the fourth time Elliott has triumphed in the Grade One after Apple’s Jade dominated the contest between 2016 and 2018 and the Cullentra House team are also represented by the consistent Zanahiyr.
“I’ve got Teahupoo and Zanahiyr in the Hatton’s Grace and both horses have got good chances,” Elliott told Racing TV.
“Teahupoo on his form last year would probably be the pick of them, but whereas Zanahiyr wouldn’t mind a bit of better ground, Teahupoo would want as much rain as he can get.”
The field of five is complete by Paul Gilligan’s Buddy One, who steps out of handicap company in search of a hat-trick, having impressed at Cheltenham during the November meeting.
“Isn’t it great to have a horse to take on the big boys? That’s what we all want, one of these horses, and we have one now and it’s great,” said Gilligan.
“He’s won at Fairyhouse. We won’t get carried away, as we know exactly what’s facing us if he steps up to take on these guys.
“Impaire Et Passe is going to be hard to beat, Teahupoo is going to be hard to beat, but he could beat them – who’s to say he won’t?”
Firefox came out on top in a thrilling duel with Ballyburn in the Kettles Country House Hotel Supporting Fingal Ravens GFC Raceday Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Both arrived with reputations as being among the smartest novices at their respective powerhouse yards.
Gordon Elliott trains Firefox for Noel and Valarie Moran’s Bective Stud and he had already had a run over timber before running in four bumpers, of which he won three.
Ballyburn, some felt, was the best bumper horse in the powerhouse Willie Mullins yard last season despite only having two outings.
The two dominated from the outset and there was little between them approaching the second-last until Firefox (evens) jumped it much quicker and suddenly opened up a three-length gap under Jack Kennedy.
Ballyburn jumped the last better but the damage had been done and while he closed up a little, there was still two and a half lengths between them at the line.
“He’s a good horse and Jack said he’s so straightforward,” said Elliott.
“We thought he needed two and a half miles and that’s why we were making every post a winning post.
“Jack said he could go two and a half but he’s got so much boot and is so relaxed that everything is very easy to him. He looks exciting and you’d like his attitude.
“We wanted to get today out of the way first and I just loved the way he jumped. Jack said he was so professional over the last two.”
Paddy Power and Betfair cut the winner to 10-1 from 20s for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Slate Lane appears to have avoided infection to the injury which has likely ended his career.
The Emmet Mullins-trained five-year-old had improved at a rate of knots and won his fourth race in succession since joining his new stable when successful at Haydock last weekend in a valuable event.
However, on returning to the paddock it was clear that Slate Lane had picked up an injury and unfortunately it emerged he had severed a tendon by striking into himself.
“He’s staved off the infection. We had a bit of a fright on Tuesday night but he’s OK,” said Mullins.
“We’ve had one surgery, we didn’t need to do a second flushing of the joint. It’s as good as can be hoped for at this time.
“There is 50 per cent damage done to the tendon, but in terms of life-threatening we’ve had good news that there is no infection in the joint.
“It’s a case of saving the horse and that is all that is on our mind at the moment.”
The Dominican Republic took a step forward in its efforts to finish atop Group C in League B of the Concacaf Women's Gold Cup qualifiers, with a 7-1 victory over Barbados at the Wildey Astro Turf Stadium in Bridgetown on Friday.
With the win, Dominican Republic moved up to 12 points, one behind leaders Bermuda, who were awarded a 3-0 win over St Vincent and the Grenadines by the disciplinary committee. The top two are scheduled to meet on Tuesday's final matchday to decide group honours.
On Friday, Mia Asenjo opened the scoring in the 21st minute when she connected with a pass over the top to beat Barbados goalkeeper Rhea Holder.
Acacia Small pilled Barbados level in the 32nd after she dispossessed a defender and later finished a lobbed attempt from outside the 18-yard box.
However, their celebrations were short-lived, as Dominican Republic regained the advantage in a minute later through Asenjo, who connected with another ball over the top and expertly headed past Holder.
Lucia Marte added a third for the visitors in the 48th with a strike at the left post from a Kathrynn Gonzalez cross.
Alyssa Oviedo notched a fourth for Dominican Republic in the 68th with a right-footed shot inside the box.
Gonzalez then got on the board in the 77th on a free kick hit with enough force that gave Holder no chance at a save.
Winibian Peralta extended the gap in the 82nd when she applied the finishing touch to a tidy build-up orchestrated by Jazmin Jackson.
Marte completed her brace in the 87th with a curling free kick to add the exclamation point and keep the Dominican Republic in the race for first place.
Krysan St. Louis notched a hat-trick and Arnicka Louis bagged a brace, as St Lucia hammered Guadeloupe 5-1 in their Concacaf Women's Gold Cup Qualifying Group B, League C encounter at Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet on Friday.
The victory puts St Lucia within three points of group honours, which they can secure with victory away to leaders Cuba in their finale on Tuesday.
Just like she did in their first meeting when she scored four goals, Louis picked up where she left off and gave St Lucia an early seventh-minute lead when she converted from a goalmouth melee, after an initial effort was deflected on the post.
St Lucia doubled the lead in the 22nd minute when a counter-press opened up the defence for Louis to fire home her brace.
From there, it became the St. Louis show, as the Texas A&M forward notched her first with a deft chip over the keeper in the 39th, after her initial effort was blocked.
St. Louis looked poised to bag her second of the game shortly before half-time after a Guadeloupe handball resulted in a penalty. However, Guadeloupe's goalkeeper Maina Mornal denied her from the 12-yard spot, and in the process registered a third penalty save in three matches.
But St. Louis was not to be stopped and she eventually got a second in the 57th. She split a pair of defenders and later fired past Mornal.
Guadeloupe never threw in the towel, and they got their reward with a late goal in the 89th, when Sydjalhia Garriba fired in a right-footed shot.
Still, it was too little too late, as St Louis and St Lucia had the final say when she completed her hat trick with another tidy finish in time added.
Nicky Henderson is considering running Shishkin in the rearranged Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Sandown next Saturday.
The Seven Barrows handler is eager to get a King George VI Chase prep run into his multiple Grade One scorer, after refusing to race at Ascot in the 1965 Chase and also seeing a planned run in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle lost to the weather.
A lack of options over fences has now seen Henderson toy with the idea of reverting Shishkin to the smaller obstacles, as well as dropping back to two miles, for the rearranged Grade One that reopens on Monday.
That would of course pave the way for Constitution Hill – who also missed out on an outing at Newcastle – to head straight to Kempton on Boxing Day for the Christmas Hurdle, although the trainer is yet to finalise plans with the unbeaten superstar’s owner Michael Buckley.
“Michael is coming down here and we will talk and we have to consider the timing,” said Henderson, speaking at Newbury.
“Shishkin was the horse I really wanted to run, I cannot believe he would win a King George first time out.
“He’s got to try to have a run and I have a little idea. He might have to come and have a run over hurdles because there are no chases to run in. Three miles would be too far in what might be hard work ground and I’m thinking of coming back into the Fighting Fifth because that reopens on Monday.
“I wouldn’t worry about Constitution Hill first time out.”
Both Constitution Hill and Shishkin were left with the prospect of nowhere to lay their head having abandoned their trip to Gosforth Park just south of the north east on Friday.
However, Henderson revealed he was inundated with offers after his appeal on television, with the high-class duo eventually bunkering down on Town Moor overnight.
“They had a stay in Doncaster last night, but I don’t think they went down to the hotel for a few pints,” quipped Henderson.
“The camaraderie of racing was at its best as soon as I said on television I was looking for a stable and had two horses with no bed, the people who came forward were unbelievable.
“Ann Duffield rang me from Barbados, Doncaster rang me, Hexham rang me, Karl Burke rang me. It was unbelievable and I could have gone Malton, Middleham, anywhere.
“The one condition was I got the horses back in the morning!”
Corbetts Cross won what seems sure to prove an informative Jim Ryan Racecourse Services Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse.
Trained by Emmet Mullins, he was sent off the 9-4 favourite for last season’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle before crashing through the wing of the final flight when still holding every chance.
The six-year-old faced some stern opposition for this second start over fences, with Gordon Elliot’s Three Card Brag, Willie Mullins’ Nick Rockett and Henry de Bromhead’s Monty’s Star all highly thought of.
Corbetts Cross (2-1) ultimately won with a bit in hand for Mark Walsh as, jumping the last with a length to find on Three Card Brag who set the pace, he only had to be given a flick to quicken up smartly.
He won by three-quarters of a length from Three Card Brag with two and a half lengths back to Monty’s Star.
The winner was cut to 8-1 from 16s for the Turners at Cheltenham by Betfair and is 10s from 20s for the Brown Advisory.
“I suppose the run under his belt was a big advantage there. It’s tough going out there and that was probably the difference in it,” said Mullins.
“Getting a win in these beginners chases in Ireland is very difficult and they are all top-class races. I won’t necessarily be that confident the next day once they have a run under their belt.
“It’s great to get today out of the way and we can go on to bigger races hopefully.”
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